Anthony Polnitz, a 22-year-old African American male from Peoria, Illinois, tragically lost his life on April 8, 2018. The incident occurred at an off-campus house party near Bradley University. Polnitz was one of two victims in a shooting that also claimed the life of 18-year-old Nasjay Murry, a freshman pre-med student at Bradley University. The shooting took place in the early hours of the morning, around 3:30 a.m., and left another woman injured with a gunshot wound to her hand.
The investigation revealed that the shooter, Jermontay Brock, who was 16 years old at the time, opened fire at the party with the intention of targeting a high-ranking member of a rival gang. Brock's motive was to boost his reputation within his own gang, the Bomb Squad. Unfortunately, the bullet intended for the rival gang member struck Anthony Polnitz, passing through him and fatally wounding Nasjay Murry. The tragic event shocked the community and led to a thorough investigation by local authorities.
Jermontay Brock was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including first-degree murder. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Brock had deliberately targeted the party to make a name for himself within his gang. The trial concluded with Brock being found guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison, receiving 30 years for each murder. Brock will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years of his sentence.
The families of the victims expressed a mix of relief and ongoing grief following the verdict. Polnitz's father, Evester Polnitz, stated that while justice had been served, the pain of losing his son would never fully heal. The case highlighted the devastating impact of gang violence on the community and underscored the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such tragedies.
